Sliema

Sliema is a resort town on the east coast of Malta, just north of the capital Valletta. It provides an enchanting getaway in the country’s premier destination. Sunbathers and swimmers flock to the coastline – especially during the summer to settle on the rocky beaches and dive into the warm, clear waters of the Mediterranean.

When to go

The climate in Sliema is typically Mediterranean and is similar to southern Italy or Greece. Between June and August, the temperatures reach the high-20s and sunlight shines for 12 hours of the day. But, being on the east coast of Malta and in the Mediterranean, temperatures are warm all year-round, including during winter months when temperatures can average around 15°C.

Top Attractions

The coastline promenade of Sliema is an ideal spot for a romantic moonlit stroll or a scenic jog.There are also number of churches to visit in Sliema including:

• Stella Maris Church
• Sacro Cuor Parish Church
• Gesu’ Nazzarenu Parish Church
• San Girgor Parish Church

Tigne Point and the oldest polygonal fort are UNESCO World Heritage sites worth visiting to see the history of Sliema.

Beaches

Sliema has no sand beaches, but, the Maltese consider any stretch of waterfront that gives access to the sea a ‘beach’. Despite the lack of beaches, Sliema is a favourite for swimming and their Roman Baths are a series of rectangular rock-cut pools sheltered from the open sea currents.

Culture

In July and August, religious events and feasts are held in honour of Our Lady Stella Maris and Our Lady of Sacred Heart which represents a perfect opportunity to get a taste of Maltese culture.

The Salesian Theatre is the only century-old theater in Sliema, located a couple of streets inland from the coastal promenade. Restored and reopened with a mission to become one of the country’s cultural reference points, its intimate setting plays host to a number of shows from various disciplines including classical and more popular live music, plays, as well as contemporary art exhibitions.

Dining

Malta may be a small island, but there’s no shortage of places to eat. Two restaurants really worth a visit include Mint Café, ran by a New Zealand couple who serve wholesome, light and locally sourced food with vegetarian and vegan options available.

For traditional Maltese and Mediterranean food, visit Ta’Kris, a family run restaurant that occupies a traditional maltese bakery, popular with both locals and visitors.

Entertainment

Malta has a vibrant nightlife scene. Clubs, bars and discos pump out the latest music for party-goers but, for a more refined night, try visiting a casino or atmospheric wine bar.

Adventure and Sports

Surrounded by seas, winds and great weather, Malta has many opportunities to satisfy a thirst for adventure. Why not try:

• Rock-climbing
• Flyboarding
• Windsurfing
• Zip-lining
• Wakeboarding

Getting Around

A major advantage of Malta’s small size is travel time is kept to a minimum. Malta offers a modern, reliable and relatively cheap public transport system of buses and taxis. Bikes are also available for hire as a more economical and environmentally friendly way of getting around.